June 2007 Archives

Tight fitting latex gloves do work just as well as your hands. They should fit snug and be thrown away after each use.

Elbows, knees, armpits, and under forearms and ankles should always be prepped pre-tanning with lotion or a sunscreen. After tanning, designate a wash cloth for a quick semi-damp pat over.

Exfoliate from head to toe. Oil based scrubs prevent color from applying evenly to skin so body exfoliation should be done with a non-oily or moisturizing scrub. Try scrubs that are designed specifically for self tanning like Avon’s Skin So Soft Satin Glow Body Wash. Salt scrubs should be avoided if you plan to shave before tanning.

If using darkly tinted self tanners, you may want to shave legs the previous day. Dark tints tend to settle in to fresh hair-free pores resulting in a spotted effect on skin.

I am a huge fan of tanning when staying in hotels. This way you can apply tanner before you catch zzz’s and wake up golden. It also keeps the mess off your sheets at home (you know they bleach these sheets at seriously hot temperatures so there’s no problem getting self tanning stains removed).

Avoid applying your facial moisturizer and body creams for as long as you can. Or best, do not apply at all until color is in full effect.

After tanning, exercise should be a sweat free activity and swimming is completely off limits. If it’s raining, stay indoors. Once you’re caught in the rain you’ll find tiger streaks rather than an even glow.

If you’re looking for tan longevity, avoid steam showers, saunas and hot baths during your days of deep glow.

Wear dark, loose fitting clothing to avoid tan transfer. A tight pair of jeans put on immediately after tanning will absorb tan lotion and leave “creases” on your skin.

After tanning face, take a wet cotton swab to eyebrows and rub out any tanner residue. Also, rub a moistened cotton ball across your hairline where tanners tend to build up during application. This will ensure a no-tell perfectly tanned face.

Find out our Top 10 Sunless Tanners